24
anecdote.
Lewis XI, although an unprincipled Prinee, (of whom it was remarkable, that he did not seruple to perjure himself, exeept when he swore by the leaden Image of the Virgin) was yet very attentive to every eireumstanee that eould inerease the wealth and happiness of his subjects. He behaved with the greatest affability to sueh merehants whose superior knowledge eould suggest any means of extending the benefits of eommeree; and that he might engage them to be more eommunieative, he frequently invited them to his table. A merehant, named Mr. John intoxieated by the familiarity of the King, who very often admitted him in particular to dine with him, took it in his head one day, to request his Majesty to grant him letters of nobility. The King did not refuse his request; but when the new nobleman appeared at eourt, he affeeted not to know him. Mr. John, surprised at this unexpeeted reeeption, eould not forbear eomplaining of it: "Go about your business, Mr. John, I mean my Lord," said the King: "When I used to invite you to my table, I eonsidered you as the first of your profession; but now I would insult my nobles, if I would treat you with the same distinetion."
the end.
